The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland

28/08/2026

The office for the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 31 August.

We will reopen as normal on Tuesday 1 September.

27/08/2026

The Commissioner was very pleased to spend time with the Memory Lane Group in Omagh Library yesterday.

A big thank you to everyone who shared their personal experiences. Listening directly to older people living with dementia is massively important in understanding the issues that matter most to them.

Thank you to the group for such an open and valuable conversation.

26/08/2026

The Commissioner would like to send her congratulations to Anne Bradley for being one of four finalists in the Great Neighbour Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle Make a Difference Awards.

The nomination is for her excellent community work in bringing people together and supporting older residents. Well done, Anne!

Learn more about Anne achievements below…

A QUARTER of a century of dedication to the Plumbridge, Cranagh and wider Glenelly community has earned Anne Bradley national recognition after she was named as one of four finalists for the Great Neighbour Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle Make a Difference Awards.

17/08/2026

Last week the Commissioner visited the Lisburn City Library to take part in some filming. It was an impressive location to spend an afternoon.
You can find out more about why she was there next month!

07/08/2026

It's been a year since the Commissioner launched her report calling for urgent action to support Northern Ireland’s ageing population.

The report 'Advancing Age Friendly Practice in Northern Ireland' highlights the community work already supporting older people and how important these groups are.

“It’s not just about growing old, it’s about growing well. The age sector isn’t a ‘nice to have’ it’s an essential partner in meeting the needs of our ageing society.”

Read the report here:
https://copni.org/assets/general/resources/Advancing-Age-Friendly-Practice-in-Northern-Ireland.-Supporting-collaboration-impact-and-sustainability-of-age-sector-organisations.pdf

30/07/2026

Today the Commissioner went along to the Ardcomm lunch club, where she met with the club members - and the dedicated staff who also run the Good Morning West Belfast phone service.
It was a fun and insightful visit - and Siobhan was also able to fit in a quick game of Boccia!

24/07/2026

Many older people are missing out on the financial support they're entitled to - sometimes simply because they don't know that it's available or because they haven't claimed it.

The below report from Independent Age highlights how increasing take-up of financial support could lift around 280,000 older people out of poverty - while also reducing pressure on health and social care services.

It’s always well worth checking what support may be available.

https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/research-reports/TheOnlyWayIsUp

20/07/2026

A reminder that the Northern Ireland Assembly has announced that the Older People’s Parliament will take place in Parliament Buildings on Thursday 15 October 2026.

This is a great opportunity for you to share your opinions and experiences on what impacts the lives of older people directly with decision makers.

Help decide the issues that will be raised and discussed during the Parliament by sharing your views on the below survey:
https://consult.nia-yourassembly.org.uk/engagement/older-peoples-parliament/
Telephone surveys are available on 028 9052 1761 or 028 9052 1440. Phone lines will be open 10am to 2pm - Monday to Friday.
This survey closes on Friday (24 July 2026)

15/07/2026

We know the internet is a great resource for older people in terms of connectivity and accessing services and information. However, there are a lot of ways cyber criminals can catch us out - so we need to have our guard up.

You can report fraud and scams 24/7 at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

More information can be found on the ScamwiseNI website here www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni

10/07/2026

The office for the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 July.

We will reopen as normal on Wednesday 15 July.